Variable resistance exercise devices

ABSTRACT

A variable resistance exercise device is provided that comprises a pair of arm bands and a handle tube that has a longitudinal interior bore. The tube has first and second ends and includes a solid metal center shaft fitted through the interior bore thereby exposing respective first and second end portions of the shaft at the respective first and second ends of the tube. The first and second band arm of the pair of bands arms are respectively fitted onto the first and second ends of the shaft. In some instances, the device is part of a kit that includes a base having a bottom face, where the bottom face includes a groove, and one or more elastic bands, each such band configured to removably couple the base to the exercise bar by fitting the into the groove of the base and through the first and second arm bands.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/283,419, entitled “Variable Resistance Exercise Devices,” filed Feb.22, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety forall purposes.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to exercise apparatuses. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure pertains to an improved handle forexercise apparatuses.

BACKGROUND

Variable resistance exercise devices have been identified as beingadvantageous relative to conventional exercise devices on the basis thatvariable resistance device offer variable, but persistent, resistanceacross a range of motion whereas conventional exercise devices, such asfree weights, offer constant resistance. Constant resistant devices havethe drawback that they force a user to exert the same amount both at thebeginning of a range of motion (e.g., short exertion distance) beforeadvantageous body mechanics arise and at the end of the range of motionwhere the user enjoys better body mechanics and can exert more force. Assuch, with conventional weights it is often the case that the usercannot exercise muscles across a full range of motion with sufficientresistance because the user cannot move past the initial ranges ofmotion where the user is weakest. Variable resistance exercise devicesaddress this problem by providing low resistance at the beginning of therange of motion and higher resistance at the end of the range of motion.

However, existing variable resistance exercise devices have theirdrawbacks. While they offer a tremendous amount of resistance at the endof a range of motion, which is advantageous, such large resistancerequires that the device be very stable and well-engineered to providethe stability needed by an exerciser that is fully concentrating on thelarge resistances that occur at the far end of the range of motion ofexercises that are performed with such devices. Numerous designs forvariable resistance devices have been build and sold over the years.However, advances in the design of such devices are needed in order toincrease their utility, the breadth of exercises that they can be usedfor, and the maximum amount of resistance that they can safely tolerate.

Given the above disclosure, what is needed in the art are improvedvariable resistance exercise devices.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure addresses the above-identified shortcomings byproviding improved variable resistance exercise devices. The improvedvariable resistance exercise devices are more stable than theabove-identified prior art variable resistance exercise devices while atthe same time offering the same advantages over conventional constantresistance exercise devices such as free weights.

In accordance with some embodiments, an exercise bar with an improvedhandle is provided. The exercise bar includes a handle tube that has alongitudinal interior bore. The handle tube also includes a first endand a second end. Further, the handle tube includes a solid metal centershaft that is fitted through the longitudinal interior bore. Thisfitting of the solid metal center shaft through the longitudinalinterior bore exposes a first end portion of the solid metal centershaft at the first end of the handle tube. The fitting of the metalcenter shaft through the longitudinal interior bore also exposes asecond end portion of the solid metal center shaft at the second end ofthe handle tube. A first band arm is fitted onto the first end of thesolid metal center shaft, and a second band arm fitted onto the secondend of the solid metal center shaft.

In some embodiments, the exercise bar includes a first cylindricalhandle end cap that has a first end face, a second end face, and acylindrical exterior face. The first cylindrical handle end cap alsoincludes a first bore hole that is disposed along a central axis of thefirst cylindrical handle end cap between the first and second face ofthe first handle end cap. The exercise bar also includes a secondcylindrical handle end cap that has a first end face, a second end face,and a cylindrical exterior face. The second cylindrical handle end capalso includes a first bore hole along a central axis of the secondcylindrical handle end cap between the first and second face of thesecond cylindrical handle end cap. Accordingly, the first end portion ofthe solid metal center shaft is fitted through the first bore hole ofthe first cylindrical handle end cap, and the second end portion of thesolid metal center shaft is fitted through the first bore hole of thesecond cylindrical handle end cap. Further, the first band arm is fittedonto the first end of the solid metal center shaft through attachment tothe first cylindrical handle end cap, and the second band arm is fittedonto the second end of the solid metal center shaft through attachmentto the first cylindrical handle end cap.

In some embodiments, the exercise bar includes a first handle bearingand a second handle bearing. Each of the first and the second handlebearings includes a respective hollowed cylindrical piece that includesan inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface.The first end portion of the solid metal center shaft is fitted throughthe first handle bearing with the outer circumferential surface of thesolid metal shaft contacting the inner circumferential surface of thefirst handle bearing. The second end portion of the solid metal centershaft is fitted through the second handle bearing with the outercircumferential surface of the solid metal shaft contacting thecircumferential inner surface of the second handle bearing.Additionally, the longitudinal interior bore of the handle tubeencapsulates and makes frictional contact with the outer circumferentialsurface of both the first and second handle bearings.

In some embodiments, the exercise bar includes a first outer washer thatis fitted onto the first end portion of the solid metal shaft. Theexercise bar also includes a second outer washer fitted onto the secondend portion of the solid metal shaft. Accordingly, a first face of thefirst outer washer is juxtaposed against an end face of the firsthollowed metal cylindrical piece, and a second face, opposed to thefirst face, of the first outer washer is juxtaposed against a first faceof the first cylindrical handle end cap. Likewise, a first face of thesecond outer washer is juxtaposed against an end face of the secondhollowed metal cylindrical piece, and a second face, opposed to thefirst face, of the second outer washer is juxtaposed against a firstface of the second cylindrical handle end cap.

In some embodiments, the first cylindrical handle end cap has a secondbore hole, orthogonal to the first bore hole of the first cylindricalhandle end cap, where the second bore hole of the first cylindricalhandle end cap runs between the cylindrical exterior face of the firstcylindrical handle end cap and the central axis of the first cylindricalhandle end cap. Likewise, the second cylindrical handle end cap has asecond bore hole, orthogonal to the first bore hole, wherein the secondbore hole of the second cylindrical handle end cap runs between thecylindrical exterior face of the second cylindrical end cap and thecentral axis of the second cylindrical handle end cap. The first bandarm is attached to the first cylindrical handle end cap by slotting afirst end of the first arm band through the second bore hole of thefirst cylindrical handle end cap. Similarly, the second band arm isattached to the second cylindrical handle end cap by slotting a firstend of the second arm band through the second bore hole of the secondcylindrical handle end cap. In some such embodiments, the first endportion of the solid metal center shaft includes a first notch thatreceives the first end of the first arm band. Similarly, the second endportion of the solid metal center shaft includes a second notch thatreceives the first end of the second arm band.

In some embodiments, the exercise bar includes a first locking pin and asecond locking pin. In some such embodiments, the first cylindricalhandle end cap includes a third bore hole that runs between the firstand second face of the first handle end cap, parallel to the first borehole of the first cylindrical handle end cap, and passing through thesecond bore hole of the first handle end cap. Similarly, the secondcylindrical handle end cap includes a third bore hole running betweenthe first and second face of the second handle end cap, parallel to thefirst bore hole of the second cylindrical handle end cap, and passingthrough the second bore hole of the second handle end cap. Moreover, thefirst end of the first arm band includes a bore hole and the first endof the second arm band includes a bore hole. Accordingly, the firstlocking pin locks the first end of the first arm band to the firstcylindrical handle end cap by insertion through both the third bore holeof the first cylindrical handle end cap and the bore hole of the firstarm band. Likewise, the second locking pin locks the first end of thesecond arm band to the second cylindrical handle end cap by insertionthrough both the third bore hole of the second cylindrical handle endcap and the bore hole of the second arm band.

In some embodiments, the handle tube includes a metal material. Further,the handle tube includes a first circumferential grip region and asecond circumferential grip region.

In some embodiments, the first band arm includes a metal material.Further, the first arm band includes a hook region that receives a firstportion of an elastic band, and the second band arm is includes a metalmaterial and further includes a hook region that receives a secondportion of the elastic band.

In some embodiments, the solid metal center shaft is made of steel.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides an exercise barthat includes an improved handle. The exercise bar includes a handletube that has a bore hole through a longitudinal axis thereof, and afirst end portion and a second end portion. Further, the handle tubeincludes a center shaft that is fitted through the bore hole. Thisfitting of the center shaft exposes a first end portion and a second endportion of the center shaft at the respective end portions of the handletube. A first band arm is fitted onto the first end portion of thecenter shaft, and a second band arm is fitted onto the second endportion of the center shaft.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides an exercise kit.The exercise kit includes an exercise bar as described herein. Theexercise kit also includes a base. Further, the exercise kit includesone or more elastic bands. Accordingly, an elastic band in the one ormore elastic bands removably couple the base to the exercise bar.

In some embodiments, the exercise kit includes at least three elasticbands of different resistances to deforming.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the disclosed embodiments, referenceshould be made to the Description of Embodiments below, in conjunctionwith the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer tocorresponding parts throughout the figures.

The implementations disclosed herein are illustrated by way of example,and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanyingdrawings. Like reference numerals refer to corresponding partsthroughout the drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary exercise bar, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary exercise bar, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross sectional view of an exemplary exercise bar,in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an exemplary locking mechanism of an endportion of an exercise bar, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure; and

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an end-user utilizing an exemplary exercise barin a first position and a second position, respectively, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of whichare illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detaileddescription, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will beapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosuremay be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks havenot been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspectsof the embodiments.

Plural instances may be provided for components, operations orstructures described herein as a single instance. Finally, boundariesbetween various components, operations, and data stores are somewhatarbitrary, and particular operations are illustrated in the context ofspecific illustrative configurations. Other forms of functionality areenvisioned and may fall within the scope of the implementation(s). Ingeneral, structures and functionality presented as separate componentsin the example configurations may be implemented as a combined structureor component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as asingle component may be implemented as separate components. These andother variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall withinthe scope of the implementation(s).

It will also be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,”etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elementsshould not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used todistinguish one element from another. For example, a first handle couldbe termed a second handle, and, similarly, a second handle could betermed a first handle, without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. The first handle and the second handle are both handles, butthey are not the same handle. Further, the terms “exerciser,” “enduser,” and “user” are interchangeable.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularimplementations only and is not intended to be limiting of the claims.As used in the description of the implementations and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a”, “an,” and “the” are intended to includethe plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as usedherein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items. It will be furtherunderstood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used inthis specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the term “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon”or “in response to determining” or “in accordance with a determination”or “in response to detecting,” that a stated condition precedent istrue, depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it isdetermined (that a stated condition precedent is true)” or “if (a statedcondition precedent is true)” or “when (a stated condition precedent istrue)” may be construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response todetermining” or “in accordance with a determination” or “upon detecting”or “in response to detecting” that the stated condition precedent istrue, depending on the context.

For purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide an understanding of various implementations of theinventive subject matter. It will be evident, however, to those skilledin the art that implementations of the inventive subject matter may bepracticed without these specific details. In general, well-knownstructures and techniques have not been shown in detail.

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has beendescribed with reference to specific implementations. However, theillustrative discussions below are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the implementations to the precise forms disclosed. Manymodifications and variations are possible in view of the aboveteachings. The implementations are chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles and their practical applications, to therebyenable others skilled in the art to best utilize the implementations andvarious implementations with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of theimplementations described herein are shown and described. It will beappreciated that, in the development of any such actual implementation,numerous implementation-specific decisions are made in order to achievethe designer's specific goals, such as compliance with use case- andbusiness-related constraints, and that these specific goals will varyfrom one implementation to another and from one designer to another.Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a design effort might becomplex and time-consuming, but nevertheless be a routine undertaking ofengineering for those of ordering skill in the art having the benefit ofthe present disclosure.

For convenience in explanation and accurate definition in the appendedclaims, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “up,” “down,” “upwards,”“downwards,” “laterally, “longitudinally,” “inner,” “outer,” “inside,”“outside,” “inwardly,” “outwardly,” “interior,” “exterior,” “front,”“rear,” “back,” “forwards,” and “backwards” are used to describefeatures of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the positions ofsuch features as displayed in the figures.

In general, an exercise bar of the present disclosure enables anend-user to perform a variety of exercises at a multitude of resistanceranges.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 7 , an exercise bar 100 of the presentdisclosure is illustrated. The exercise bar 100 includes a handle tube110 that is configured to accommodate hands of an end-user (e.g.,end-user 610 of FIGS. 6 and 7 ).

In some embodiments, the handle tube 110 is about 30 centimeters (cm) inlength. In some embodiments, the handle tube 110 is about 35 cm inlength. In some embodiments, the handle tube 110 is about 40 cm inlength. In some embodiments, the handle tube 110 is about 50 cm inlength. In some embodiments, the handle tube 110 is about 53 cm inlength. In some embodiments, the handle tube 110 is about 53.34 cm(e.g., about 21 inches) in length. In some embodiments, the handle tube110 is about 54 cm in length. In some embodiments, the handle tube 110is about 55 cm in length. In some embodiments, the handle tube 110 isabout 60 cm in length. In some embodiments, the handle tube 110 is about70 cm in length. In some embodiments, the handle tube 110 is about 80 cmin length. In some embodiments, the handle tube 110 is about 90 cm inlength. In some embodiments, the handle tube 110 is about 100 cm inlength. In some embodiments, the handle tube 110 is about 110 cm inlength. In some embodiments, the handle tube 110 is about 120 cm inlength. In some embodiments, the handle tube 110 is about 130 cm inlength. In some embodiments, the handle tube 110 is about 131 cm inlength. In some embodiments, the handle tube 110 is about 140 cm inlength. In some embodiments, the handle tube 110 is about 150 cm inlength. In some embodiments, the exercise bar 100 is about 160 cm inlength. In some embodiments, the handle tube 110 is about 170 cm inlength. In some embodiments, the handle tube 110 is about 180 cm inlength. In some embodiments, the handle tube 110 is about 190 cm inlength. In some embodiments, the handle tube 110 is about 200 cm inlength. In some embodiments, the handle tube 110 is about 210 cm inlength. In some embodiments, the handle tube 110 is about 220 cm inlength (e.g., approximately a length of an Olympic barbell). In someembodiments, the handle tube 110 is between 50 cm and 300 cm in length.In some embodiments, the handle tube 110 is between 100 cm and 250 cm inlength. In some embodiments, the handle tube 110 is between 150 cm and230 cm in length.

Furthermore, in some embodiments a diameter of the handle tube 110 is2.5 cm. In some embodiments, a diameter of the handle tube 110 is about2.8 cm. In some embodiments, a diameter of the handle tube 110 is about5 cm. In some embodiments, a diameter of the handle tube 110 is about5.1 cm. In some embodiments, a diameter of the handle tube 110 isbetween 2.5 cm and 5.5 cm. In some embodiments, a diameter of the handletube 110 is between 3.0 cm and 5.3 cm.

In some embodiments, the handle tube 110 includes one or morecircumferential grip region types. For instance, in some embodiments thehandle tube includes a first circumferential grip region type 112 and asecond circumferential grip region type 114. In some embodiments, thefirst circumferential grip region type 112 is a level (e.g., smooth)surface while the second circumferential grip region type 114 ischaracterized by a pattern of straight, angled, and/or crossed lines(e.g., a result of being subjected to knurling). In some embodiments,the handle tube 110 includes a first end portion and a second endportion (e.g., a right hand portion and a left hand portion).Accordingly, in some embodiments the second circumferential grip regiontype 114 is disposed at both the first end portion and the second endportion of the handle tube 110 while the first circumferential gripregion is disposed on the handle tube 110 between the first and secondend portions. Utilizing the circumferential grip regions at leastimproves the grip of an end-user while the user utilizes the exercisebar 100. In some embodiments the first and second end portions occupiedby the second circumferential grip region type 114 are each between 10cm and 30 cm in length. In some embodiments the first and second endportions occupied by the second circumferential grip region type 114collectively occupy between 35 percent and 65 percent of the totallength of the handle tube 110.

In some embodiments, the handle tube 110 includes a metal material suchas a metal alloy (e.g., steel, iron, etc.). In some embodiments, thehandle tube 110 consists of metal or metal alloy (e.g., steel, iron,etc.). In some embodiments the handle tube includes an austenite steel(e.g., AISI type no. 201, 202, 301, 302, 302B, 303, 303 (Se), 304, 304L,305, 308, 309, 309S, 310, 310S, 314, 316, 317, 321, 347, or 348, etc.),a martensitic steel (e.g., AISI type no. 403, 410, 414, 416, 416(Se),420, 420F, 431, 440A, 440B, 440C, or 501, etc.), or a ferritic steel(AISI type no. 405, 429, 430, 430F, 430F(Se), 442, 446, or 502) such asthose described in Table 6.2.18a of Marks' Standard Handbook forMechanical Engineers, ninth edition, 1987, McGraw-Hill, Inc., at p.6-37. In some embodiments, the handle tube 110 includes a nickel alloy(e.g., Nickel 270, Nickel 200, Duranickel 301, Monel 400, Monel K-500,Hastelloy C, Incoloy 825, Inconel 600, Inconel 718, or TD Ni) such asthose described in Table 6.4.7 of Marks' Standard Handbook forMechanical Engineers, ninth edition, 1987, McGraw-Hill, Inc., at p.6.72, which is hereby incorporated by reference. In some embodimentshandle tube 110 includes a high-strength low-alloy steel (HSLA). HSLA isa type of alloy steel that provides better mechanical properties orgreater resistance to corrosion than carbon steel. In some embodimentsthe HSLA steel has a carbon content between 0.05-0.25%. In someembodiments the HSLA steel includes up to 2.0% manganese and smallquantities of copper, nickel, niobium, nitrogen, vanadium, chromium,molybdenum, titanium, calcium, rare earth elements, or zirconium. Formore disclosure on HSLA steel that can be used to make the handle tube100, see Degarmo et al., 2003, Materials and Processes in Manufacturing(9th ed.), Wiley, ISBN 0-471-65653-4, and Oberg et al., 1996,Machinery's Handbook (25th ed.), Industrial Press Inc., each of which ishereby incorporated by reference.

Utilizing metal typically increases a load bearing capacity of theexercise bar 100. However, the present disclosure is not limitedthereto. For instance, in some embodiments all or a portion of thehandle tube 110 is coated with an elastomer (e.g., a rubberizedcoating). Moreover, in some embodiments the handle tube 110 includes agrip disposed about a circumference thereof (e.g., a foam grip and/or arubber grip, etc.). In some such embodiments, the handle tube 110includes one or more circumferential grip region types. For instance, insome embodiments the handle tube includes a first circumferential gripregion type 112 and a second circumferential grip region type 114. Insome embodiments, the first circumferential grip region type 112 is alevel (e.g., smooth) uncoated surface while the second circumferentialgrip region type 114 is coated with an elastomer or a foam. In someembodiments, the handle tube 110 includes a first end portion and asecond end portion (e.g., a right hand portion and a left hand portion).Accordingly, in some such embodiments the second circumferential gripregion type 114 is disposed at both the first end portion and the secondend portion of the handle tube 110 while the first circumferential gripregion is disposed on the handle tube 110 between the first and secondend portions. Utilizing the circumferential grip regions at leastimproves the grip of an end-user while the user utilizes the exercisebar 100. In some embodiments, the second circumferential grip regiontype 114 is coated with GR-S, neoprene, a nitrile rubber, a butylrubber, a polysulfide rubber, or an ethylene-propylene rubber (e.g.,ethylene propylene diene methylene (EPDM) rubber), a cyclized rubber(e.g., Thermoprene). See for example, Sections 6-161 through 6-163 ofMarks' Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers, ninth edition, 1987,McGraw-Hill, Inc., beginning at p. 6.161, which is hereby incorporatedby reference.

In some embodiments, the handle tube 110 includes a longitudinalinterior bore (e.g., longitudinal bore 202 of FIG. 2 ). Further, in someembodiments the handle tube 110 includes a metal center shaft 150 thatis fitted through the longitudinal interior bore 202. In someembodiments, the metal center shaft 150 is a solid rod (e.g., a solidmetal center shaft). In some embodiments, the metal center shaft 150 isa hollow rod. Moreover, in some embodiments the center shaft 150includes a metal material (e.g., steel, iron, etc.). In someembodiments, the center shaft 150 includes the same material as thehandle tube 110. In some embodiments the center shaft 150 includes amaterial that is different than the handle tube 110. In someembodiments, the center shaft 150 includes or consists of a metal ormetal alloy (e.g., steel, iron, etc.). In some embodiments, the centershaft 150 includes an austenite steel (e.g., AISI type no. 201, 202,301, 302, 302B, 303, 303 (Se), 304, 304L, 305, 308, 309, 309S, 310,310S, 314, 316, 317, 321, 347, or 348, etc.), a martensitic steel (e.g.,AISI type no. 403, 410, 414, 416, 416(Se), 420, 420F, 431, 440A, 440B,440C, or 501, etc.), or a ferritic steel (AISI type no. 405, 429, 430,430F, 430F(Se), 442, 446, 502) such as those described in Table 6.2.18aof Marks' Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers, ninth edition,1987, McGraw-Hill, Inc., at p. 6-37. In some embodiments, the centershaft 150 includes a nickel alloy (e.g., Nickel 270, Nickel 200,Duranickel 301, Monel 400, Monel K-500, Hastelloy C, Incoloy 825,Inconel 600, Inconel 718, or TD Ni) such as those described in Table6.4.7 of Marks' Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers, ninthedition, 1987, McGraw-Hill, Inc., at p. 6.72, which is herebyincorporated by reference. In some embodiments the center shaft 150includes a high-strength low-allow steel (HSLA).

In some embodiments the center shaft 150 is fitted through the interiorbore 202 such that a circumferential gap (e.g., a cushion of air) isformed between the circumferential exterior surface of the center shaft150 and the circumferential interior surface of the handle tube 110. Thefitting of the center shaft 150 exposes a first end portion of thecenter shaft 150 at the first end of the handle tube 110. Similarly, thefitting of the center shaft 150 through the longitudinal bore 202exposes a second end portion of the center shaft at the second end ofthe handle tube 110. In some embodiments, the first end portion and thesecond end portion of the center shaft 150 are exposed at a same length(e.g., 1 cm). In some embodiments, the length of the exposure of thefirst end portion and the second end portion of the center shaft 150 isabout a length of a handle end cap (e.g., end cap 130 of FIG. 1 ). Insome embodiments, the center shaft 150 includes one or more tapers. Forinstance, in some embodiments the center shaft 150 is tapered from afirst end portion to a middle portion of the center shaft. In someembodiments, the center shaft 150 is tapered from a second end portionto the middle portion of the center shaft. Tapering of the center shaft150 allows for various components of the exercise bar 100 (e.g., abearing 152, a washer 154, etc.) to be securely disposed on the centershaft.

Referring to FIG. 2 , in some embodiments a respective band arm 140 isfitted onto a respective end portion of the center shaft 150. Forinstance, in some embodiments a first band arm 140 is fitted onto thefirst end of the center shaft 150 and, similarly, a second band arm 140fitted onto the second end of the center shaft 150. Each respective bandarm 140 is configured to accommodate a portion of an elastic band. Forinstance, in some embodiments the first band arm 140 is configured toaccommodate a first portion of a first elastic band (e.g., elastic band190 of FIG. 1 ), and the second band arm 140 is configured toaccommodate a first portion of a second elastic band 190 (e.g., eachrespective band arm accommodates a respective elastic band. However, thepresent disclosure is not limited thereto. For instance, in someembodiments the first band arm 140 accommodates a first portion of anelastic band 190 while the second band arm 140 accommodates a secondportion of the elastic band. Additional details and informationregarding configurations of one or more elastic bands will be describedin more detail infra, with particular reference to at least FIGS. 6 and7 . Moreover, in some embodiments each respective band arm 140 is madeof metal (e.g., steel, iron, etc.). In some embodiments, each respectiveband arm 140 is made of any of the materials disclosed above for thecenter shaft 150 and/or the handle tube 110.

Additionally, in some embodiments each respective band arm 140 includesa hook region (e.g., region 142 of FIG. 1 ) that is configured toreceive a respective end portion of an elastic band 190. Each hookregion 142 provides a gap between the respective band arm 140 and thehandle tube 110, allowing an elastic band 190 to be received through thegap by the band arm 140. However, the present disclosure is not limitedthereto. For instance, in some embodiments each respective band arm 140coupled to the handle tube 110 comprises two or more portions.Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more of the two or morecoupling portions is removably coupled to the handle tube 110, allowingfor the elastic band 190 to be accommodated by the respective band arm140.

In the illustrated embodiments, each band arm 140 includes asubstantially level portion 144. In some embodiments, the level portion144 spans a length that is about a width of a corresponding elastic band190. The level portion 144 allows for a respective elastic band 190 torest in a state that provides an even distribution of resistance to thecorresponding band arm 140 (e.g., the respective band 190 lays flatagainst the corresponding band arm 140). In some embodiments the band190 has a width of between 5 centimeters and 30 centimeters, andcorrespondingly, the level portion 144 is long enough to accommodate thefull width of the band 190. In some embodiments the band 190 has a widthof between 8 centimeters and 25 centimeters, and correspondingly, thelevel portion 144 is long enough to accommodate the full width of theband 190.

In some embodiments, the exercise bar 100 includes a correspondinghandle end cap 130 for each respective end portion of the handle tube110 (e.g., a first handle end cap 130 and a second handle end cap 130).Each respective end cap 130 includes a first end face (e.g., an interiorface 212 of FIG. 2 ) and a second end face (e.g., an exterior face 214of FIG. 2 ). In some embodiments, each respective handle end cap 130includes a cylindrical exterior face (e.g., exterior face 216 of FIG. 2).

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 , each respective handle end cap 130 furtherincludes a first bore hole 218 that is disposed along a central axis ofthe respective handle end cap between the first face 212 and second face214 of the respective handle end cap. Accordingly, referring to FIG. 3 ,first and second respective end portions 302 of the center shaft 150 arefitted through the respective first bore hole of corresponding handleend caps 130 (e.g., the first end portion 302 a of the center shaft 150is fitted through the first handle end cap 130 and the second endportion 302 b of the center shaft is fitted through the second handleend cap 130).

In some embodiments, the exercise bar 100 includes a respective handlebearing (e.g., bearing 152 of FIG. 2 ) for each end portion 302 of thebar. Each handle bearing 152 includes a respective hollowed cylindricalpiece that includes an inner circumferential surface and an outercircumferential surface (e.g., an inner diameter and an outer diameter).In some embodiments, each handle bearing 152 is a bushing. In someembodiments, each handle bearing 152 is made of a non-metallic materialsuch as Nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or another plasticmaterial. In some embodiments, each handle bearing 152 is made of metal(e.g., bronze). In some embodiments, each handle bearing 152 is made ofmetal of sintered or otherwise porous constitution. Furthermore, in someembodiments each handle bearing 152 is lubricated with mineral oil, orsimilar lubricant such as water displacement lubricant. In someembodiments each handle bearing 152 is made of any of the materialsdisclosed above for the center shaft 150 or handle tube 110. While thehandle bearing 152 can be made of any of the materials disclosed abovefor the center shaft 150 or handle tube 110, there is no requirementthat the handle bearing 152 be made of the same material as the centershaft 150 or handle tube 110.

In some embodiments, each end portion 302 of the center shaft 150 isfitted through the respective cylindrical piece of the handle bearing152, with the exterior circumferential surface of the respectivecylindrical piece of the handle bearing 152 contacting, in turn, theinner circumferential surface of center shaft 150 as illustrated, forexample, in FIG. 3 . In some embodiments, the handle bearing 152includes a ball, needle, roller, or other bearing mechanism.Additionally, the longitudinal interior bore of the handle tube 110encapsulates and makes frictional contact with the outer surface of eachhandle bearing 152 as illustrated in FIG. 3 . This frictional contactwith the handle bearings 152 allows for the handle tube 110 to rotateindependent from the handle end cap 130 and the center shaft 150, whichimproves at least a range of motion and/or a number of exercises capableof being performed by the bar 100.

In some embodiments, the exercise bar 100 includes a respective outerwasher 154 that is fitted onto a corresponding end portion of the centershaft 150. Accordingly, a first face of each outer washer 154 isjuxtaposed against an end face of the corresponding cylindrical piece154, and a second face of the outer washer is juxtaposed against a firstface of the corresponding handle end cap 130.

Further, in some embodiments, each respective band arm 140 is fittedonto a respective end 302 a of the center shaft 150 through attachmentto the corresponding handle end cap 130. The details of such attachment,in accordance with some embodiments, is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 . In someembodiments, the attachment of each respective band arm 140 to thecorresponding handle end cap 130 includes a press fit attachment, adowel and pin attachment (e.g., a first pin and a second pin), and othersimilar attachment mechanism capable of supporting a significant load(e.g., such as 25 pounds (lbs), 100 lbs, 200 lbs, 500 lbs, 1000 lbs,1500 lbs, etc.) during operation.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 , in some embodiments, each respective handleend cap 130 includes a second bore hole (e.g., bore hole 442 of FIG. 4 )that is configured to accommodate a respective arm band 140. In someembodiments, the second bore hole 442 is orthogonal to the first borehole 218 (e.g., normal to a portion of the cylindrical exterior face 216and extending to the central axis of the first cylindrical handle endcap 130 as illustrated in FIG. 4 ). Accordingly, each respective armband 140 is attached to the corresponding handle end cap by slotting afirst end of the arm band 140 through the second bore hole 442 of thehandle end cap.

In some embodiments, each respective end portion 302 of the center shaft150 includes a notch (e.g., notch 502 of FIG. 5 ) that receives thefirst end of a respective arm band 140. For instance, the first endportion 302 a of the center shaft 150 includes a first notch 502 thatreceives the first end portion of the first arm band 140, and the secondend portion 302 b of the center shaft 150 includes a second notch 502that receives the first end portion of the second arm band 140.Preferably, the first notch 502 and the second notch 502 are disposed ata same side of the center shaft 150, which allows for each band arm 130to be at a same level and/or orientation and provides an evendistribution of resistance from the elastic bands 190 during operationof the exercise bar 100. Furthermore, the notch 502 allows for therespective band arm 140 to couple to the center shaft 150, allowing thecenter shaft to rotate within, and independent of, the handle tube 110.

In some embodiments, the exercise bar 100 includes a locking pin 134 foreach respective end of the bar. In some embodiments, each handle end cap130 includes a third bore hole (e.g., bore hole 222 of FIG. 4 and/orbore hole 136 of FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments, the third bore hole 222is parallel to the first bore hole 218 between the first and second faceof the respective handle end cap 130 while passing through, andorthogonal to, the second bore hole 442 of the handle end cap. Moreover,the first end of each arm band 140 includes a corresponding bore hole242 that is configured to receive the locking pin 134 when the lockingpin 134 is slotted through the third bore hole 136/222. Accordingly,each locking pin 134 locks the first end of the respective arm band 140to the corresponding handle end cap 130 by insertion of the locking pin134 through both the third bore hole 222 of the handle end cap 130 andthe bore hole 242 of the first arm band. In some embodiments, thelocking pin 134 does not interfere with a respective washer 154 (e.g.,the washer 154 is free to rotate).

Furthermore, in some embodiments, referring to FIG. 2 , the second endface 214 of each respective handle end cap 130 includes a removablycoupled cover 132. In some embodiments, the cover 132 is coupled to thecorresponding handle end cap 130 through the locking pin 134. In someembodiments, the cover 132 is coupled to the corresponding handle endcap 130 through a press-fit (e.g., snap) connection.

In some embodiments, the cover 132 includes each bore hole associatedwith the above described second end face 214. For instance, in someembodiments, the cover 132 includes respective bore holes 136, 222, 442,etc.

In some embodiments, the cover 132 secures the pin 134 through a hole inthe cover (e.g., hole 222) while also, optionally, providing anaesthetic area to configure for a designer of the present disclosure. Insome embodiments, the cover 132 includes a graphic or an artwork such asa corporate logo. In some embodiments, the cover 132 includes a softmaterial such as rubber, which prevents the exercise bar 100 frominadvertently damaging a surrounding environment and/or an end-user.

In some embodiments, the cover 132 does not include a bore holeassociated with the above described second end face 214 (e.g., bore hole134 and 136). In some embodiments, the third bore hole 222 penetratesthe corresponding handle end cap 130 and the cover 132. In someembodiments, the third bore hole 222 penetrates the corresponding handleend cap 130 but not the cover 132. Further, in some embodiments, thecover 132 is removably coupled to the second end face 214 and includesan uninterrupted face (e.g., there is no hole through the cover 132). Insome embodiments, the cover 132 is accommodated by the respective handleend cap 130 (e.g., the cover fits into an end portion of the handle endcap). Moreover, in some embodiments the respective handle end cap 130 isaccommodated by the cover 132 (e.g., the handle end cap fits into an endportion of the cover).

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 , in some embodiments the present disclosureprovides an exercise kit 600 for performing exercises. In theillustrated embodiments depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7 , an end-user performsa curl from a first position (e.g., a first position depicted in FIG. 6) to a second position (e.g., a second position depicted in FIG. 7 ). Insome embodiments, the exercise kit includes an exercise bar 100, a base650, and one or more elastic bands 190 that couple the exercise bar tothe base. In some embodiments, the base is made of CNC milled MarineGrade HDPE (high density polyethylene). In some embodiments, eachelastic band 190 in the one or more elastic bands has a uniqueelasticity, or similarly maximum resistance. For instance, in someembodiments, the exercise kit 600 includes two elastic bands 190. Thetwo elastic bands 190 include a first elastic band of a first maximumresistance (e.g., a low maximum resistance such as 5 lbs) and a secondband of a second maximum resistance different than the first maximumresistance (e.g., a high resistance such as 100 lbs). In someembodiments, the exercise kit 600 includes at least three exercise bands190. In some embodiments, the at least three exercise bands 190 of theexercise kit 600 include a first elastic band 190-1 characterized by afirst maximum resistance, a second elastic band 190-2 characterized by asecond maximum resistance that is greater than the first maximumresistance, and a third elastic band 190-3 having a third maximumresistance that is greater than the second maximum resistance. In someembodiments, a respective maximum resistance of each band 190 isdetermined, at least in part, by a width and/or thickness of the band(e.g., a lower resistance band includes a thinner width and/or thicknesscompared to a higher resistance band). For instance, in some embodimentsthe third band 190-3 has a width is about a same length as the levelportion 144 of each band arm 140 (e.g., the width of the third band isof from about 75% to about 100% the length of the level portion of theband arm). In some embodiments, the second band 190-2 has a width isless than the length as the level portion 144 of each band arm 140(e.g., the width of the second band is of from about 40% to about 75%the length of the level portion of the band arm). In some embodiments,the first band 190-1 has a width that is less than the length as thelevel portion 144 of each band arm 140 (e.g., the width of the firstband is of from about 5% to about 40% the length of the level portion ofthe band arm). In some embodiments, the one or more elastic bands 190 ofthe present disclosure includes a band that is a continuous flat loop(e.g., a rehabilitation band and/or a fit loop band). In someembodiments, the one or more elastic bands 190 of the present disclosureincludes a band that has a handle (e.g., an ankle cuff, a hard handlesuch as plastic, a soft handle such as foam, etc.). Accordingly, in someembodiments a user utilizes their body (e.g., feet, back, etc.) toperform an exercise without the base 650.

In some embodiments the elastic band 190 provides about 25 lbs ofmaximum resistance to an end user of the exercise bar 100. In someembodiments, the elastic band 190 provides about 50 lbs of maximumresistance to an end user of the exercise bar 100. In some embodiments,the elastic band 190 provides about 100 lbs of maximum resistance to anend user of the exercise bar 100. In some embodiments, the elastic band190 provides about 150 lbs of maximum resistance to an end user of theexercise bar 100. In some embodiments, the elastic band 190 providesabout 200 lbs of maximum resistance to an end user of the exercise bar100. In some embodiments, the elastic band 190 provides about 250 lbs ofmaximum resistance to an end user of the exercise bar 100. In someembodiments, the elastic band 190 provides about 300 lbs of maximumresistance to an end user of the exercise bar 100. In some embodiments,the elastic band 190 provides about 350 lbs of maximum resistance to anend user of the exercise bar 100. In some embodiments, the elastic band190 provides about 400 lbs of maximum resistance to an end user of theexercise bar 100. In some embodiments, the elastic band 190 providesabout 500 lbs of maximum resistance to an end user of the exercise bar100. In some embodiments, the elastic band 190 provides about 600 lbs ofmaximum resistance to an end user of the exercise bar 100.

In some embodiments the elastic band 190 provides between 20 lbs and 60lbs of maximum resistance to an end user of the exercise bar 100. Insome embodiments, the elastic band 190 provides between 25 lbs and 90lbs of maximum resistance to an end user of the exercise bar 100. Insome embodiments, the elastic band 190 provides between 75 lbs and 125lbs of maximum resistance to an end user of the exercise bar 100. Insome embodiments, the elastic band 190 provides between 110 lbs and 180lbs of maximum resistance to an end user of the exercise bar 100. Insome embodiments, the elastic band 190 provides between 175 lbs and 240lbs of maximum resistance to an end user of the exercise bar 100. Insome embodiments, the elastic band 190 provides between 230 lbs and 280lbs of maximum resistance to an end user of the exercise bar 100. Insome embodiments, the elastic band 190 provides between 275 lbs and 325lbs of maximum resistance to an end user of the exercise bar 100. Insome embodiments, the elastic band 190 provides between 325 lbs and 375lbs of maximum resistance to an end user of the exercise bar 100. Insome embodiments, the elastic band 190 provides between 350 lbs and 425lbs of maximum resistance to an end user of the exercise bar 100. Insome embodiments, the elastic band 190 provides between 400 lbs and 475lbs of maximum resistance to an end user of the exercise bar 100. Insome embodiments, the elastic band 190 provides between 450 lbs and 650lbs of maximum resistance to an end user of the exercise bar 100. Insome embodiments, the elastic band 190 provides between 650 lbs and 750lbs of maximum resistance to an end user of the exercise bar 100.

In some embodiments the elastic band 190 provides between 10 kilogramsand 30 kilograms of maximum resistance to an end user of the exercisebar 100. In some embodiments, the elastic band 190 provides between 13kilograms and 45 kilograms of maximum resistance to an end user of theexercise bar 100. In some embodiments, the elastic band 190 providesbetween 35 kilograms and 63 kilograms of maximum resistance to an enduser of the exercise bar 100. In some embodiments, the elastic band 190provides between 55 kilograms and 90 kilograms of maximum resistance toan end user of the exercise bar 100. In some embodiments, the elasticband 190 provides between 80 kilograms and 120 kilograms of maximumresistance to an end user of the exercise bar 100. In some embodiments,the elastic band 190 provides between 130 kilograms and 140 kilograms ofmaximum resistance to an end user of the exercise bar 100. In someembodiments, the elastic band 190 provides between 125 kilograms and 180kilograms of maximum resistance to an end user of the exercise bar 100.In some embodiments, the elastic band 190 provides between 160 kilogramsand 180 kilograms of maximum resistance to an end user of the exercisebar 100. In some embodiments, the elastic band 190 provides between 160kilograms and 210 kilograms of maximum resistance to an end user of theexercise bar 100. In some embodiments, the elastic band 190 providesbetween 200 kilograms and 240 kilograms of maximum resistance to an enduser of the exercise bar 100. In some embodiments, the elastic band 190provides between 225 kilograms and 325 kilograms of maximum resistanceto an end user of the exercise bar 100. In some embodiments, the elasticband 190 provides between 325 kilograms and 325 kilograms of maximumresistance to an end user of the exercise bar 100.

In some embodiments each respective elastic band in the one or moreelastic bands has a thickness of at least 1 cm and a length of between180 centimeters and 220 centimeters when the respective elastic band isin an unextended state. In some embodiments each respective elastic bandin the one or more elastic bands has a thickness of at least 1 cm, atleast 1.5 cm, at least 2 cm, at least 2.5 cm, or at least 3.0 cm and alength of between 100 centimeters and 220 centimeters or between 100centimeters and 280 centimeters when the respective elastic band is inan unextended state.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a first band 190-1that includes a thickness of about 5 mm, a width of about 0.8125 ins, alength of about 41 ins, and about a 100 lbs force production capacity.In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a second band 190-2that includes a thickness of about 5 mm, a width of about 1.125 ins, alength of about 41 ins, and about a 160 lbs force production capacity.In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a third band 190-1that includes a thickness of about 5 mm, a width of about 1.75 ins, alength of about 41 ins, and about a 240 lbs force production capacity.In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a fourth band 190-1that includes a thickness of about 5 mm, a width of about 2.5 ins, alength of about 41 ins, and about a 300 lbs force production capacity.

Advantageously, the disclosed exercise kit is a variable resistancedevice meaning that the further the elastic band 190 is extended by auser, the more resistance the device will exert. So, for instance, whenthe user extends a band a first distance beyond the relaxed state of theband 190, the band exerts a first resistance (e.g., 80 pounds). When theuser extends the band beyond the first distance to a second distancebeyond the first state, the band exerts a second resistance that isgreater than the first resistance (e.g., 200 pounds). When the userextends the band beyond the second distance to a third distance beyondthe first second distance, the band exerts a third resistance that isgreater than the second resistance (e.g., 350 pounds), and so on untilthe user can no longer exert the band further or the maximum resistanceof the band is achieved. In other words, the resistance (tension on themuscle) changes (varies) as the user performs an exercise. Theresistance is less when the user starts to perform a repetition and itis most when the user is at the end of the repetition. This isadvantageous because the exercise kit provides lower resistance at shortexertion distances, where body joints are at risk, and higher resistanceat longer exertion distances where improved body mechanics arise. Thedisclosed variable resistance exercised kit is different than freeweights. Free weights, such as barbells and dumbbells, provide aconstant resistance.

In some embodiments, the user performs an exercise in which the userinitially exerts the exercise bar 100 across a full range of motion, forinstance between (i) to the region in which the elastic band 190 exertsa high resistance (e.g., the third resistance described above) and (ii)the relaxed state in which the elastic band 190 exerts no or minimalresistance, a series of times until the user can no longer exert theexercise bar 100 across the full range of motion of the elastic band.Next, the user exerts the exercise bar 100 across an intermediate rangeof motion, for instance between (i) the region in which the elastic band190 exerts less than the highest resistance (e.g. the second resistancedescribed above) and (ii) the relaxed state in which the elastic band190 exerts no or minimal resistance, a series of times until the usercan no longer exert the exercise bar 100 across the intermediate rangeof motion. Next, in some embodiments of the exercise, the user exertsthe exercise bar 100 across minimal range of motion, for instancebetween (i) the region in which the elastic band 190 exerts less thanthe intermediate resistance (e.g. the first resistance described above)and (ii) the relaxed state in which the elastic band 190 exerts no orminimal resistance, a series of times until the user can no longer exertthe exercise bar 100 through the minimal range of motion. At the end ofthis, the user can no longer exert the exercise bar through any of theabove ranges of motion until a later time, that is, the user hasachieved absolute fatigue. In this way, through such diminishing rangesof motion, osteogenic stimulus is achieved. As such, a program in whichsuch an exercise is done on a regular basis leads to increased musclestrength.

In some embodiments, the systems (e.g., exercise kit 600) and devices(e.g., exercise bar 100) of the present disclosure are utilized toperform one or more exercises such as a standing chest press, uprightrow, triceps pushdown, front squat, deadlift, bent over row, bicepscurl, calf raise, and standing shoulder press. In some such embodimentssuch exercises are performed as described above, beginning with a fullrange of motion, and as fatigue sets in, with diminishing ranges ofmotion, under constant but variable resistance.

1. An exercise bar comprising: a handle tube comprising a longitudinalinterior bore; a solid metal center shaft, wherein the solid metalcenter shaft is fitted through the longitudinal interior bore, andwherein the solid metal center shaft longitudinally rotates independentof the handle tube; a first band arm comprising a first end received bya first notch at a first end portion of the solid metal center shaft anda hook region that removably receives a first portion of an elasticband; and a second band arm comprising a first end received by a secondnotch at a second end portion of the solid metal center shaft and a hookregion that removably receives a second portion of the elastic band. 2.The exercise bar of claim 22, further comprising: the first cylindricalhandle end cap having a first end face, a second end face, and acylindrical exterior face, with a first bore hole along a central axisof the first cylindrical handle end cap between the first and second endfaces of the first handle end cap, the second cylindrical handle end caphaving a first end face, a second end face, and a cylindrical exteriorface, with a first bore hole along a central axis of the secondcylindrical handle end cap between the first and second end faces of thesecond cylindrical handle end cap, the first end portion of the solidmetal center shaft is fitted through the first bore hole of the firstcylindrical handle end cap, the second end portion of the solid metalcenter shaft is fitted through the first bore hole of the secondcylindrical handle end cap, the first band arm is fitted onto the firstend portion of the solid metal center shaft through attachment to thefirst cylindrical handle end cap, and the second band arm is fitted ontothe second end portion of the solid metal center shaft throughattachment to the second cylindrical handle end cap.
 3. The exercise barof claim 2, further comprising: a first handle bearing comprising afirst hollowed cylindrical piece having an inner circumferential surfaceand an outer circumferential surface; and a second handle bearingcomprising a second hollowed cylindrical piece having an innercircumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface, whereinthe first end portion of the solid metal center shaft is fitted throughthe first handle bearing with the solid metal center shaft contactingthe inner circumferential surface of the first handle bearing, thesecond end portion of the solid metal center shaft is fitted through thesecond handle bearing with the solid metal center shaft contacting theinner circumferential surface of the second handle bearing, and thelongitudinal interior bore of the handle tube encapsulates and makesfrictional contact with the outer circumferential surface of both thefirst and second handle bearings.
 4. The exercise bar of claim 3,further comprising: a first outer washer fitted onto the first endportion of the solid metal center shaft; and a second outer washerfitted onto the second end portion of the solid metal center shaft,wherein a first face of the first outer washer is juxtaposed against anend face of the first hollowed cylindrical piece of the first handlebearing, a second face of the first outer washer, which opposes thefirst face of the first outer washer, is juxtaposed against the firstend face of the first cylindrical handle end cap, a first face of thesecond outer washer is juxtaposed against the first end face of thesecond hollowed cylindrical piece of the second handle bearing, and asecond face of the second outer washer, which opposes the first face ofthe second outer washer, is juxtaposed against the first end face of thesecond cylindrical handle end cap.
 5. The exercise bar of claim 2,wherein the first cylindrical handle end cap has a second bore hole,orthogonal to the first bore hole of the first cylindrical handle endcap, the second bore hole of the first cylindrical handle end cap runsbetween the cylindrical exterior face and the central axis of the firstcylindrical handle end cap, the second cylindrical handle end cap has asecond bore hole, orthogonal to the first bore hole of the secondcylindrical handle end cap, the second bore hole of the secondcylindrical handle end cap runs between the cylindrical exterior faceand the central axis of the second cylindrical handle end cap, the firstband arm is attached to the first cylindrical handle end cap by slottingthe first end of the first band arm through the second bore hole of thefirst cylindrical handle end cap, and the second band arm is attached tothe second cylindrical handle end cap by slotting the first end of thesecond band arm through the second bore hole of the second cylindricalhandle end cap.
 6. The exercise bar of claim 5, further comprising afirst locking pin and a second locking pin, wherein the firstcylindrical handle end cap further comprises a third bore hole runningbetween the first and second end faces of the first cylindrical handleend cap, parallel to the first bore hole of the first cylindrical handleend cap, and passing through the second bore hole of the firstcylindrical handle end cap, the second cylindrical handle end capfurther comprises a third bore hole running between the first and secondend faces of the second cylindrical handle end cap, parallel to thefirst bore hole of the second cylindrical handle end cap, and passingthrough the second bore hole of the second cylindrical handle end cap,the first end of the first band arm includes a bore hole, the first endof the second band arm includes a bore hole, the first locking pin locksthe first end of the first band arm to the first cylindrical handle endcap by insertion through both the third bore hole of the firstcylindrical handle end cap and the bore hole of the first end of thefirst band arm, and the second locking pin locks the first end of thesecond band arm to the second cylindrical handle end cap by insertionthrough both the third bore hole of the second cylindrical handle endcap and the bore hole of the first end of the second band arm.
 7. Theexercise bar of claim 5, wherein the first end portion of the solidmetal center shaft includes a first notch that receives the first end ofthe first band arm, and the second end portion of the solid metal centershaft includes a second notch that receives the first end of the secondband arm.
 8. The exercise bar of claim 7, further comprising a firstlocking pin and a second locking pin, wherein: the first cylindricalhandle end cap further comprises a third bore hole running between thefirst and second end faces of the first cylindrical handle end cap,parallel to the first bore hole of the first cylindrical handle end cap,and passing through the second bore hole of the first cylindrical handleend cap, the second cylindrical handle end cap further comprises a thirdbore hole running between the first and second end faces of the secondcylindrical handle end cap, parallel to the first bore hole of thesecond cylindrical handle end cap, and passing through the second borehole of the second cylindrical handle end cap, the first end of thefirst band arm includes a bore hole, the first end of the second bandarm includes a bore hole, the first locking pin locks the first end ofthe first band arm to the first cylindrical handle end cap by insertionthrough both the third bore hole of the first cylindrical handle end capand the bore hole of the first end of the first band arm, and the secondlocking pin locks the first end of the second band arm to the secondcylindrical handle end cap by insertion through both the third bore holeof the second cylindrical handle end cap and the bore hole of the firstend of the second band arm.
 9. The exercise bar of claim 1, wherein thehandle tube includes a first circumferential grip region and a secondcircumferential grip region on an exterior circumferential surface ofthe handle tube.
 10. The exercise bar of claim 9, wherein the firstcircumferential grip region is a level surface, and the secondcircumferential grip region is characterized by a pattern of straight,angled, crossed lines, or a combination thereof.
 11. The exercise bar ofclaim 10, wherein the second circumferential grip region is disposed atboth the first end and the second end of the handle tube, and the firstcircumferential grip region is disposed between the first and second endof the handle tube.
 12. The exercise bar of claim 1, wherein the firstband arm is made of metal, and the second band arm is made of metal. 13.The exercise bar of claim 1, wherein the solid metal center shaft ismade of a metal or metal alloy.
 14. The exercise bar of claim 1, whereinthe solid metal center shaft or the handle tube is made of austenitesteel, martensitic steel, ferritic steel, a nickel alloy, or ahigh-strength low-alloy steel.
 15. The exercise bar of claim 14, whereinthe solid metal center shaft is made of a different metal material thanthat of the handle tube.
 16. The exercise bar of claim 12, wherein athird portion of the elastic band is received by a portion of a base,thereby coupling the exercise bar to the base through the elastic band.17. The exercise bar of claim 1, wherein the handle tube is between 40centimeters and 80 centimeters in length, and the handle tube has adiameter of between 3 centimeters and 5 centimeters. 18-20. (canceled)21. The exercise bar of claim 1, wherein a first end portion of thesolid metal center shaft is exposed at a first end of the handle tubeand a second end portion of the solid metal center shaft is exposed at asecond end of the handle tube.
 22. The exercise bar of claim 21, furthercomprising a first cylindrical handle end cap connected to the first endportion of the solid metal center shaft; and a second cylindrical handleend cap connected to the second end portion of the solid metal centershaft.
 23. The exercise bar of claim 22, wherein the first band arm islocked with the first cylindrical handle end cap, and the second bandarm is locked with the second cylindrical handle end cap.